Swim paddle training aid apparatus

ABSTRACT

A swim training aid apparatus including a relatively thin plate member having a first and second surface separated by a leading edge on one end of the plate member, and a trailing edge on an opposite end. The leading edge is such that when the training aid apparatus is operationally mounted to the swimmer&#39;s hand, the swimmer is capable of articulating at least their intermediary phalanges of the hand over the leading edge, to a gripping position. The trailing edge is configured to extend proximally past the wrist joint of the swimmer The plate member includes wrist recess formed and dimensioned for articulating receipt of the swimmer&#39;s wrist joint therein. A retaining device cooperates with the plate member and the swimmer&#39;s hand to releasably retain the same to the training aid apparatus in the operating position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from co-pendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/393,993, filed Oct. 18, 2010,entitled “SWIM PADDLE,” naming Eduard Sherstenev as the inventor, andwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to athletic training devices, and moreparticularly, relates to competitive swimmers' training apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of competitive swimming, it has been recognized that thedevelopment of strength and endurance of one's swimming muscles is oneof the keys for success and speed, when training. While weight liftingis still an important training technique, this lifting exercise alonewill not adequately develop all the muscles utilized in a swimmingstroke, let alone increasing one's endurance.

As a consequence, various swim training aids have been developed thatincrease the water resistance experienced by a swimmer's limb during aswim stroke. Such increased water resistance proportionately developsall the swimming muscles, as well as their endurance.

Swim paddles for a swimmer's hands, for example, have been developed asa means of improving upper body strength and endurance. These handpaddle training aids are typically designed to support the swimmer'shand, including the fingers when at least generally extended. Althoughthese current swim paddle designs do increase water resistance, and thusimprove upper body strength and endurance, they have significantdrawbacks. For example, when these conventional paddles act as anextension of the hand, extending to the entire surface of the humanhand, in a fully opened position where the fingers are generally openedand extended, the swimmer is required to slightly modify his or her swimstroke in order to compensate for the increase in surface area. Inparticular, while swimming with conventional paddles, a swimmer isforced to press on the paddle not only with his or her palm but alsowith fingers in order to support the paddle. This forced pressure on thepaddle with swimmer's fingers hinders the swimmer's technique and addsmore pressure to swimmer's shoulder, which is a leading source of injury(e.g., rotator cuff) for swimmers.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a swim paddle training aid thatproportionately builds strength and endurance while swimming withoutadversely altering their swim technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a swim training aid for use on a hand ofa swimmer, during a swimming motion. The training aid apparatus includesa relatively thin plate member having a first surface and an opposedsecond surface. The opposed first and second surfaces are separated by aleading edge on one end of the plate member, and by a trailing edge onan opposite end thereof. The plate member is further formed anddimensioned to orient the leading edge such that when the training aidapparatus is operationally mounted to the swimmer's hand, in anoperating position atop the first surface, the swimmer can articulate atleast their intermediary phalanges of their hand over the leading edge,to a gripping position, during the swimming motion. The trailing edge isconfigured to extend proximally past the wrist joint of the swimmer'shand when in the operating position. The trailing edge, however, definesa wrist recess formed and dimensioned for articulating receipt of theswimmer's wrist portion therein. The training aid further includes aretaining device that cooperates with the plate member and the swimmer'shand to releasably retain the same to the training aid apparatus in theoperating position.

Accordingly, the swimmer's fingers are cupped or creased around theleading edge of the plate member, during their swim stroke. This handconfiguration places their arms and shoulders in a more naturalposition, facilitating their swim technique as well as reducingpotential injury.

In one specific embodiment, the plate member comprised of a relativelyrigid plastic material.

In another specific arrangement, the plate member includes a pair ofwinglets each extending outwardly from opposed sides of the swimmer'shand, when mounted in the operating position. Each winglet is ofgenerally equal surface area, when mounted in the operating position.

In still another configuration, the leading edge is slightly boweddownwardly to generally conform to swimmer's hand when in the grippingposition.

In yet another specific embodiment, the retaining device includes afirst and a spaced second band member, each of which is configured tocooperate with the plate member to releasably retain the same to theswimmer's hand. The first band member cooperates with the plate member,proximate to the leading edge thereof, to retain a knuckle portion ofthe swimmer's hand in abutting engagement with the plate member, in theoperating position. The second band member cooperates with the platemember proximate to the trailing edge thereof to retain a lower palmportion of the swimmer's hand in abutting engagement with the platemember.

Another arrangement includes the first and second band members which arecomprised of resilient, flexible tubing material configured to extendcircumferentially around respective portions of the swimmer's hand forretainment thereof. Each respective end of each first and second tubingmaterial member is sized for snug sliding receipt of a transversecross-sectional dimension thereof through respective receiving channelsin the plate member, in a longitudinally tensioned condition, and forfrictional retainment thereof, in a non-longitudinally tensionedcondition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The assembly of the present invention has other objects and features ofadvantage which will be more readily apparent from the followingdescription of the best mode of carrying out the invention and theappended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a swim paddle training aid apparatusconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the swim training aid apparatus of FIG. 1,shown mounted to a swimmer's hand.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the swim training aid apparatusof FIG. 2, with the hand in an operating position.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the swim training aid apparatus ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a plate member of the training aidapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the plate member of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are top plan views of an alternative embodiment platemembers.

FIG. 9 is an exploded side perspective view of the swim training aidapparatus of FIG. 1, incorporating a water absorbent weight pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention will be described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications to the present invention can be made to the preferredembodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the truespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Itwill be noted here that for a better understanding, like components aredesignated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a swim training aid apparatus, generallydesignated 20, is illustrated for use on a hand 21 of a swimmer, duringa swimming motion. The training aid apparatus includes a relatively thinplate member 22 having a first surface 23 and an opposed second surface25, the opposed first and second surfaces are separated by a leadingedge 26 on one end thereof, and by a trailing edge 27 on an opposite endthereof. The plate member 22 is formed and dimensioned to orient theleading edge 26 such that when the training aid apparatus isoperationally mounted to the swimmer's hand, in an operating positionatop the first surface 23 (FIGS. 2-4), the swimmer can articulate atleast their intermediary phalanges 28 of the hand 21 over the leadingedge, to a gripping position (FIGS. 3 and 4), during the swimmingmotion. The trailing edge 27 is further formed to extend proximally pastthe wrist joint 30 of the swimmer when in the operating position. Thetrailing edge 27 further defines a wrist recess 31 formed anddimensioned for articulating receipt of the swimmer's wrist jointtherein. The swim training aid apparatus 20 further includes a retainingdevice, generally designated 32, that cooperates with the plate memberand the swimmer's hand to releasably retain the same to the training aidapparatus in the operating position.

Accordingly, during the swimming motion, unlike the current swim paddletraining gear, the swimmer's fingers 33 are cupped or creased around theleading edge 26 of the plate member 22. This is highly desirable inthat, during a swimming motion, this hand configuration places one'sarms and shoulders to be placed in a more natural position. Moreover,most power, during one's arm swimming stroke, is generated by the palm.By placing the leading edge 26 of the paddle training aid below thefingers 33, the concentration or center of force generated during thearm stroke is shifted toward the middle of the swimmer's palm portion.This rather minute displacement or shift in the force concentration fromthe center of the hand (as in conventional paddles) to the center of thepalm, significantly reduces shoulder stress and strain by engaging thelatimus dorsi muscles.

In accordance with the present invention, the plate member 22 isrelatively thin, and relatively rigid. Both the first surface 23 and theopposed second surface 25 are preferably substantially planar andsubstantially parallel to one another. It will be appreciated, however,that the plate member may be semi-flexible, as well as the opposedsurfaces being neither parallel nor substantially planar. In someinstances, for example, the surfaces flexibility may be designed andaltered in a manner providing customized water resistance, during theswimming stroke.

In one example, the plate member 22 is composed of a polymer basedmaterial, such as a polycarbonate, for weight and cost considerations,having thickness in the range of about ⅛″ in. to about ½″ in. Othersuitable materials, however, include metallic materials such as steel ortitanium or a flexible, water absorbent materials such as wool felt.

As above-indicated, the swim training aid apparatus 20 is formed anddimensioned such that, when mounted in the operating position (FIGS.2-4), the plate member leading edge 26 is oriented so that the swimmercan articulate at least their intermediary phalanges 28 of their hand 21thereover, to a gripping position (FIGS. 3 and 4), orienting the leadingedge 26 into the proximal interphalangeal joints 35. Alternatively, thetrailing edge 27 is oriented slightly lower were proximal phlanges 36 ofthe swimmer's hand 21 extend thereover, positioning the leading edgeinto the swimmer's metacarpophalangeal joints 37 thereof.

As best viewed in FIGS. 2 and 6-8, the leading edge 26 is slightly angledownward from the horizontal when in the operating position. Thisfacilitates positioning in the swimmer's hand, conforming generally tonatural slope of the adjacent inter- or metacarpo-phalangeal joints 35,37 when the hand is cupped for gripping. By way of example, the slope ofthe leading edge is in the range of about 3 degrees to about 40 degreesdownward from the horizontal.

The opposite end trailing edge 27, as mentioned, is configured to extendproximally past the wrist joint 30 of the swimmer when in the operatingposition. In one example, the lowest portions of the trailing edge 27are positioned 1-4 inches below the swimmer's wrist joint 30. As alsoindicated above, the trailing edge 27 further defines the wrist recess31, enabling receipt of the swimmer's wrist therein, and thusarticulation of the palm portion about the wrist despite mounting of thepaddle training aid. Preferably, the wrist recess 31 is configured suchthat when the plate member 22 is in the operating position, the recesstrailing edge 27 is positioned right in the wrist joint 30, allowingfull contact of the palm with plate member 22 during all phases of theswimming stroke cycle.

It will be appreciated that orientation of, and distance between, theleading edge and the trailing edge is not be precisely designed toaccommodate the anatomical positioning of every swimmer's inter- ormetacarpo-phalangeal joints and wrist joints. Different sized and shapedplate members, however, may be provided that enable functional usethereof in most instances.

Extending laterally outward from the swimmer's hand and palm portionsare the opposed side winglets 40, 41 that facilitate creation of thewater resistance during the swimmer's stroke. Each winglet 40, 41 isdefined by a respective outside edge 42, 43 that interconnects with theopposed sides of the leading edge 26 on respective upper ends thereof,and with the opposed sides of the trailing edge 27 on respective lowerends thereof. These opposed outside edges 42, 43 are preferablycurvilinear or bowed, forming a semi-butterfly wing shape. These outsideedges, of course, can also be linear and angular as well.

Preferably, the surface area of the opposed winglets 40, 41 is generallyequal to one another so that water resistance generated by each wingletwill be roughly the same. As long as the winglet surface areas aregenerally equal, thus, the overall perimetric shapes need not besymmetrical to one another. For the purposes of this training aid, thewater resistance generated by each winglet 40, 41 will still roughly bethe same.

FIGS. 6-8, by way of example, illustrate a few acceptable plate membershapes. It will be appreciated, however, that some winglet shapes may bedesign in a manner enable the same to cut or knife through the water,reducing its water resistance.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the retaining device 32 will now bedescribed in detail. As mentioned, the retaining device 32 cooperateswith the plate member 22 and the swimmer's hand 21 to releasably retainthe same to the training aid apparatus, in the operating position. Theretaining device 32 is preferably provided by a pair of spaced, flexiblefirst and second band members 45, 46 that releasably retain the handagainst the plate member first surface 23. The first band member 45cooperates with the plate member 22 proximal to the leading edge 26thereof to retain a knuckle portion 47 of the swimmer's hand 21 inabutting engagement with the plate member, in the operating position.Similarly, the spaced second band member 46 cooperates the plate member22 proximate to the trailing edge 27 thereof to retain a lower palmportion 48 of the swimmer's hand in abutting engagement with the platemember.

Each band member is preferably resilient so that once the band membersare sized for a particular swimmer, as will be described, the user canthan can easily stretch the respective band member for positioning theirhand in and out from under the strap. The flexible band members 45, 46are also preferably provided by a resilient rubber or silicon material.While each band member can be solid rubber or other elastic material, aswell as that comprised of multiple strands, conventional rubber tubingis preferable. A larger diameter band member can then be utilized foroperational comfort, while at the same time reducing its weight andeasing its ability to stretch when being fitted over the hand 21 (ascompared to a similar diameter solid band material). In one specificembodiment, a suitable rubber tubing may be applied having a diameter inthe range of about ⅛ in. to about ½ in., such as conventional rubbersurgical tubing.

Other conventional resilient bands can be substituted such asbungee-style cords or rubber bands. Moreover, non-resilient band membercan also be utilized such as conventional ropes, cords, etc. However,such an application may increase the difficulty of fitting of thetraining aid.

To releasably mount the band members 45, 46, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2and 6, a respective lock device 50, 51 cooperates between therespective, opposed distal end portions of the first and second bandmembers and the strategic regions of the plate member.

In one specific embodiment, for example, the respective lock device 50,51 includes strategically positioned and sized receiving channels 52,52′ and 53, 53′ that enable the respective distal end portions of theband members 45, 46 to press-fit through in a manner preventing slippagetherefrom.

For instance, when the training aid apparatus 20 is to be initiallyattached to the swimmer's hand, as mentioned above, the initialrespective receiving diameter of each band member is sufficient large toenable positioning the wider portions of their hand comfortablytherethrough. The respective distal end portions of the first and secondband members 45, 46 can be easily adjusted by pulling upon them. Bylongitudinally stretching the resilient tubing, its diameter isdecreased by an amount sufficient to allow sliding receipt thereofthrough the respective receiving channel until any band slack isremoved.

The adjusted opening through the first band member 45, for example, issized such that the respective band member fits snugly, yet comfortably,around the knuckle portion of the swimmer's hand, but small enough toprevent slippage thereof forward and rearward of the knuckle portion.Similarly, the adjusted opening through the second band member 46 isalso sized such that the respective band member fits snugly, yetcomfortably, around the swimmer's wrist portion, but small enough toprevent slippage thereof forward and rearward thereof. In one example,as best viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the band member openings areinitially opened, the swimmer's entire hand 21 (the left hand, forinstance, as shown FIG. 2) is through the second band member 46, whileonly the four fingers are inserted through the first band member 45. Themounting position of the receiving channel 52 is generally such thefirst band member 45 is positioned between the thumb 55 and forefinger56 when the mounted in the operating position.

Once properly adjusted, the respective lock device 50, 51 is configuredto retain the distal end portions of the respective first and secondband member 45, 46 at the selected diametric size suitable. In theabove-mentioned locking device embodiment, this is performed merely byreleasing the respective distal end to its natural state. The respectiveband member 45, 46 will expand by a sufficient amount to prevent easilyslippage through the respective channel.

Each receiving channel 52, 52′ and 53, 53′ is therefore diametricallysized for snug sliding receipt of a transverse cross-sectional dimensionof the respective tubular band member 45, 46, in a radially stretched ortensioned condition, and for selective frictional retainment thereof, ina non-longitudinally tensioned condition. By way of example, for arubber tubing band member, having an outer diameter in the range ofabout ⅜ in. and an inner diameter in the range of about ¼ in., apolymeric plate member 22 may be provided, having a thickness in therange about ⅛ in. to about ½ in. The diameter of each respectivereceiving channel 52, 52′ and 53, 53′ is to be substantially smallerthan the selected rubber tubing, in its natural state, having a diameterin the range of about 3/16 in. to about ¼ in.

Accordingly, the respective distal end portions of the first and secondband members 45, 46 are is essentially friction fit within therespective receiving channel until (or unless) at least one side of theretained band members are selectively pulled, stretching the retainedportion of the resilient band member until its diametric size thereof issufficiently contracted to enable sliding receipt through the channelUpon release of the band member toward the non-tensioned condition, theretained portion thereof expands into frictional retaining contact withthe walls of the respective receiving channel.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a weight pad 57 may be incorporated to increasethe overall training weight of the swim paddle training aid 20 duringuse thereof. In one embodiment, the pad 57 may circumferentially shapedsimilar to that of the first or second surface 23, 25, depending uponwhich surface the pad is mounted to. In the example in FIG. 9, theweight pad 57 is mounted to the first surface 23, and incorporates ahole pattern aligned and matching the band receiving channels of theplate member 22.

Preferably, the pad 57 is water absorbent thereby utilizing the waterabsorbed as the means for adding weight. The pad, for instance, may becomprised of wool felt or an open cell foam rubber that can be removablymounted to the first surface via conventional mounting means such asVELCRO®, snaps, adhesive, etc.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with thepreferred form of practicing it and modifications thereto, those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modificationscan be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow.Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in anyway be limited by the above description, but instead be determinedentirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1. A swim training aid apparatus for use on a hand of a swimmer, duringa swimming motion, said training aid apparatus comprising: a relativelythin plate member having a first surface and an opposed second surface,the opposed first surface and second surface being separated by aleading edge on one end of the plate member, and by a trailing edge onan opposite end thereof, said plate member being formed and dimensionedto orient said leading edge such that when said training aid apparatusis operationally mounted to the swimmer's hand, in an operating positionatop said first surface, said swimmer can articulate at least theirintermediary phalanges of said hand over said leading edge, to agripping position, during said swimming motion, said trailing edge beingconfigured to extend proximally past the wrist joint of the swimmer whenin said operating position, said trailing edge further defining a wristrecess formed and dimensioned for articulating receipt of the swimmer'swrist therein; and a retaining device cooperating with the plate memberand the swimmer's hand to releasably retain the same to the training aidapparatus in said operating position.
 2. The swim training aid apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said plate member is relatively rigid. 3.The swim training aid apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said platemember is composed of plastic.
 4. The swim training aid apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the plate member includes a pair ofwinglets each extending outwardly from opposed sides of the swimmer'shand, when mounted in the operating position.
 5. The swim training aidapparatus according to claim 4, wherein each winglet is of generallyequal surface area, when mounted in the operating position.
 6. The swimtraining aid apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each wingletincludes a curvilinear outside edge extending between respective sidesof said leading edge to respective sides of the trailing edge.
 7. Theswim training aid apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the leadingedge is slightly bowed downwardly to generally conform to swimmer's handwhen in the gripping position.
 8. The swim training aid apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said retaining device includes at leastone band member configured to cooperate with the plate member toreleasably retain the same to the swimmer's hand.
 9. The swim trainingaid apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said retaining deviceincludes a first and a spaced second band member, each of which isconfigured to cooperate with the plate member to releasably retain thesame to the swimmer's hand.
 10. The swim training aid apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein said first band member cooperating withthe plate member proximate to said leading edge thereof to retain aknuckle portion of the swimmer's hand in abutting engagement with theplate member, in said operating position, and said second band membercooperating with the plate member proximate to said trailing edgethereof to retain a lower palm portion of the swimmer's hand in abuttingengagement with the plate member.
 11. The swim training aid apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein said first and second band members arecomprised of resilient, flexible tubing material configured to extendcircumferentially around respective portions of the swimmer's hand forretainment thereof.
 12. The swim training aid apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein each respective end of each first and second tubingmaterial member is sized for snug sliding receipt of a transversecross-sectional dimension thereof through respective receiving channelsin said plate member, in a longitudinally tensioned condition, and forfrictional retainment thereof, in a non-longitudinally tensionedcondition.
 13. The swim training aid apparatus according to claim 1,further including: a weight pad removably mounted to the plate memberthereof.
 14. The swim training aid apparatus according to claim 13,wherein said weight pad is water absorbent.
 15. The swim training aidapparatus according to claim 14, wherein said weight pad is comprised ofa wool felt.
 16. The swim training aid apparatus according to claim 13,wherein said weight pad is removably mounted to said first surface ofthe plate member.